A man has appeared in court charged in connection with an armed kidnapping.

Amadur Rahman, 25, of Jessop Road in Stevenage, appeared before Hatfield Remand Court this morning (Thursday) charged with kidnap, blackmail, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence. He has been remanded in police custody.

The incident occurred at around 10.30am on April 22 in the Roebuck area when an 18 year old man is alleged to have been forced into a car. The victim is then alleged to have been threatened with a hand-gun before escaping from the vehicle.

Five other people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Ryan McElligott, 31, of Todds Green in Stevenage is charged with conspiracy to kidnap, possession of a firearm without a certificate, possession of an imitation firearm without a certificate, possession of a firearm.

Jason Harperstott, 25, of no fixed address has been charged with kidnap, blackmail, possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply and having a firearm.

A 19-year-old man from Stevenage, a 22-year-old woman from Stevenage and a 36-year-old man from Stevenage have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently on police bail.

Detective Inspector Hannah Mann from the Local Crime Unit in Stevenage is investigating and said: “I would like to appeal to anyone who has any information about this incident to contact police. If you were in the area and saw what happened or have any details which could be of assistance to our on-going enquiries please call.

“It is understandable that incidents of this nature may cause concern in the community but I would like to reassure the public that we know this incident is targeted to a specific individual.”

Anyone with information should contact the Herts police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number E1/14/2466. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.